Mountain Gorilla Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda

All U.S. citizens require a valid passport to enter Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, and that passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. (Please note that although adult passports are valid for a full ten years, children's passports require renewal every five years.)  Your passport must also contain at least four blank visa pages.  If you are a United States citizen and do not have a valid passport, please contact the closest U.S. passport agency or consult the U.S. State Department web site for detailed information on how to obtain or renew your passport at: www.travel.state.gov.

In addition to a valid passport, and as noted in your Journey Confirmation e-document you received confirming your reservation, U.S. citizens are also required to have visas to enter Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. (Minors aged 16 and under do not need a visa to travel to Kenya for tourism.)

E-visas are now available for both Kenya and Tanzania. Please Note: Visas cannot be processed more than 3 months prior to departure and you should print out a copy for one or both countries, before departing for Tanzania.

Visas for Rwanda will be obtained on Day 13 of the tour. Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, Tauck guests (of all nationalities) must pay $50 USD in cash at the visa desk and will have their passports stamped.

Tauck has collaborated with VisaCentral in the US to assist our guests with processing and issuing their visas. Please Note: While Tauck has an affiliation with VisaCentral for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through VisaCentral, and you may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through the appropriate consulates or embassies. If you should choose to work with VisaCentral, their services are available online at www.visacentral.com/tauck. To speak directly with Visa Central customer service, please call 844-860-7199 or email tauck@visacentral.com.

Visa Central has effectively processed thousands of visas for US citizens traveling with Tauck. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to VisaCentral. The visa application will include the amount of the visa fee, which varies by destination. Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 3 months prior to departure and the process will take several weeks.

If you have questions, please call the Journey Preparation Department at 866-951-0077. Please Note: Because a visa is an official document, Tauck cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, and we are very limited regarding the assistance we're able to provide. If you require help, we recommend working with a reputable visa service company as they can provide the highest level of assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: As you're completing the Kenya and Tanzania Visa process, you will be asked to enter a "contact" person as well as the addresses that you will be staying at during your time in the country(ies). For this portion, please use the hotel information found below:

Tanzania Contact:

Kearsley Tanzania LTD
Zanaki Street PO Box 801
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: +255 222 137 713
Email: sales@kearsleys.com 

Kenya Hotel: 

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Phone: +254 735 522 361 

Tauck Contact/Reference: Kenya:

Transworld Safaris Kenya, LTD
7th Floor Jacaranda Hotel
Westlands Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 254 20 445 1620
Email: tours@transworldsafaris.com

Tauck Contact/ Reference: Rwanda:

UberLuxe Safari's
Le Migo Hotel, Office Blocks,
Ground Floor, KG624 St
Kimihurura, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: +250787161314
Email: info@uberluxesafaris.com 

Rwanda Hotel Contact:

Kigali Serena Hotel
KN 3 Ave
Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: +250 788 184 500
Email: kigali@serena.co.rw

PLEASE NOTE: Guests who choose to alter their air arrangements to fly round trip via Nairobi may be required to obtain a multiple-entry visa, rather than the single-entry Kenyan visa required for our program.

Please Note: Evisa's are available in both Kenya and Tanzania. Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 3 months prior to departure and you should print out a copy for one or both countries, before departing for Tanzania.

For Tanzania, to obtain your evisa: please visit https://visa.immigration.go.tz. The point of entry is into Tanzania is Arusha, Tanzania.

An electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for Kenya and a visa is required for Tanzania (Tanzania only issues multi-entry visas, valid 1 year). All eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted no earlier than 45 days, but no more than 75 days and are valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. The point of entry into Kenya is: Namanga, Kenya.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to obtain ALL necessary documentation prior to your tour may result in being denied entry into a country, or delays in entry until proper documentation can be obtained.  In consideration of the larger group (and to maintain our planned itinerary), travelers who have failed to obtain the necessary documentation in advance may need to remain at the airport, and could thus be responsible for arranging (and paying for) their own transportation to join the group. Tauck will not be responsible for obtaining any missing documentation, nor will Tauck be responsible for any expenses incurred, missed tour components or other losses resulting from the failure to obtain proper travel documents in advance.

Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Kenyan, Rwandan and Tanzanian Embassies or Consulates to determine necessary travel documents.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
  
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits:

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  
  
• Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
  
  
• Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  
  
• Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  
  
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by CareFree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $769 per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL.

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $1250 per person

7-1 days before departure = $2000 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

Regarding the Yellow Fever Vaccination: 

While not a Tauck requirement, guests are advised to bring proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination or a doctor's note stating why they are unable to get the Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Kenya. Please be advised this regulation often changes. 

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

MOBILITY

All travelers to Africa should be in reasonably good health. While on sarari there is a not a significant amount of walking on this tour; however, the walking that is done takes place over uneven terrain, occurs frequently in warm weather, and includes climbing in and out of safari vehicles. While in Rwanda, you will be hiking up and down mountains and on uneven terrain. As noted above, you will take 5 on-tour flights that use single or twin engine propeller planes accommodating 18-50 passengers. We cannot accommodate guests withoxygen tanks on this tour.

There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. It is important that you listen to your tour director, local guide or ranger, as they are trained to be aware of the environment around them. Guests should be aware that while on safari, you will be traveling in smaller groups and will travel on small bush planes and/or helicopters.

Guests will share smaller safari vehicles, where they will be required to rotate not only safari guides, rangers and cars, but also seats within the car. Please note that there are limited medical facilities, and guests will not have exclusive use to a vehicle should they need special attention or consideration.

The safari vehicles are not air conditioned. The cars have six window seats, with roofs that lift up for animal viewing. Please note that the areas traversed on game drives are typically unpaved and will often be bumpy and dusty.

Please note that all Tauck guests will dine at Tauck Designated tables for meals. The majority of meals while on safari, are buffet due to the international guests that stay at the lodges.

A NOTE ON THE SCHEDULED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: The minimum age to participate in the hot air balloon ride is 15. There is no maximum age, although you must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly, and prepared for an adventure! Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 176 lbs (80 kg) per person. If you weigh more than 50% above the average weight (i.e., 265 lbs/120 kg), you may be charged an additional fee.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

WEATHER

Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania are truly year-round destinations, as the climate frequently features warm, bright days and cool, crisp nights. Daytime temperatures throughout the year typically range from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 to 35 degrees Celsius; evening temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 50 to 60 F, or 10 to 15.5 C.

Late afternoon rains are customary. The rainy seasons are March through May (the "long rains") and October through December (the "short rains"). During these times, rain occurs mostly in the late afternoon, and is generally brief. The spring months are preferred by some for smaller crowds, verdant scenery, and delightful temperatures.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

Please Note: Tanzania has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use or possession of single-use plastic bags (not including small Ziploc bags), which have become an environmental issue there.  This new regulation is particularly noteworthy because it becomes effective on June 1, 2019.  Penalties for violating the regulation have not been made public, but for guidance, in nearby Kenya the penalties are extremely severe: a fine of up to $40,000 or four years in prison for simply possessing a plastic bag.  In banning plastic bags, Tanzania is joining more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single-use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda and Italy. 

As you prepare for your journey, and as you contemplate what to pack, we strongly urge you to keep this new regulation in mind.  Please also be sure to carefully inspect your luggage and any carry-on bags you plan on using, to ensure no forgotten plastic bags are lurking in any pockets or compartments.

This African safari is a very casual tour. Comfortable and casual clothing is recommended for both day and night. Formal and resort attire is not required. Generally, lightweight, cotton, short-and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shorts are sufficient. A light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker, as well as layers of clothing, are suggested for cooler temperatures during early morning game drives and evenings. A bandana or cotton scarf will always comes in handy.

While on Safari, you may prefer to wear natural, earth-toned clothing, such as khakis, tans, browns, and greens (this is not imperative and other colors are fine), as well as comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots are not necessary). Dark, black or navy blue clothing is not recommended while on safari as these colors have been known to attract biting tse tse flies (although, these colors can be worn during the evening hours). It is also advisable to bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip protection. Some stretches of unpaved road traveled during game drives can be quite bumpy.

For hiking throughout Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks are advisable.

Game drives can be dusty, so wear something that can be washed while on safari. Clothes may be laundered at all camps for a nominal fee.

A personal kit with medication for possible upset stomach, aspirin, and allergy medicine may also be useful. If you are taking prescription drugs, bring a prescription signed by your doctor in case you need an emergency refill while traveling. Insect repellent with DEET is a very important item to include in your kit. Pre-moistened towelettes, antibacterial lotion, and a flashlight will also be useful on your safari.

Pack your medical kit in your carry-on bag along with an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a change of clothes in case of luggage delay.

For viewing wildlife, we recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars and your own photography supplies, such as plenty of film, batteries, a 200mm telephoto lens, lens cap, lens papers, UV filter and, for video-recording, an adequate supply of video cassettes.

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Swimwear
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at www.necessarygear.com as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.